ENHANCEMENT OF WOMEN’S RIGHTS Country Proposal - Malaysia

TIME FRAME Within 2 years

BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION Government is not focused on women issues Women participation rate across all sectors are low Currently, maternity leave is 2 months for private sector employees For government employees, maternity leave is 3 months No childcare centres at workplace. No proper lactation rooms for new mothers Discouraging new mothers from entering the workforce

Target Groups & Parties Involved MTUC Government Female workers

Objectives To enhance maternity leave from 2 months to 3 months for private sector employees To provide childcare facilities and lactation rooms in offices To prevent sexual harassment and violence against women at the workplace

Activities to Achieve the Objectives Lobby the government to pass a law on maternity leave to be 3 months for both private and government sectors Organise workshops and seminars to educate and raise awareness of women issues Encourage young women workers to join the workforce Campaign through media, forums for promotion and protection of women’s rights